The Paint Mines - Calhan, CO
Posted by: 
condor1
N 39° 00.885 W 104° 16.150
13S E 563271 N 4318667
The Paint Mines of El Paso County
Waymark Code: WM588Q
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 11/26/2008
Views: 34
Come and explore the colorful clay and stone spires called “hoodoos” at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park near Calhan. A network of trails covering 4.5 miles guide you through the prairie, hoodoos, and streams in this 750 acre El Paso County park. The coordinates above will take you to the geological interpretive site at the base of the hoodoos, from which you can view the maze of formations in the area.
The name "Paint Mines" comes from the fact that this area was a source used by the early American Indians to make their paints and decorate ceremonial pottery. The Indians also used the nearby petrified wood to fashion dart and arrow points. In the 1800's, Euro-Americans settled in the region for agriculture and ranching, and used the clay to make bricks.
Information/Directions: Take Highway 24 east from Colorado Springs to Calhan. Turn south on Yoder Road / Calhan Highway and drive about a mile to Paint Mines Road. Turn east on Paint Mines Road and drive about 1.5 miles to the first designated parking area. The park includes restrooms, and has signs throughout the trail system explaining the geology and ecology of the area. Open 7 days a week from dawn till dusk. Cost is free.
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Parking Coordinates: N 39° 01.225 W 104° 16.445
Access fee (In local currency): .00
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Website reference: [Web Link]
Public Transport available: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.